Dear Parents and Carers

It was so wonderful to see the significant rainfall over the weekend, regenerating the landscape after so much damage. We are aware that so many in our community continue to experience difficulties as a result of the direct and indirect effects of the fires. Our school wants to ensure that we support our families as much as we can. We have been planning and working with Catholic Care who will be supporting the wellbeing of our staff and children into the future. This plan will begin with a whole class educative program called ‘Chillzone’ addressing areas of the Health Curriculum which increases children’s ability to develop resilience and gratitude. In Term Two, we will be offering a small group program called ‘Storm Birds’ which supports children affected by Natural Disasters and recognising the effect of such significant events on each person. This program is not designed to have children share their own experiences but to understand how events can affect them. Parents will be given an opportunity to nominate their child to be involved in Storm Birds later in the term. 

Last Thursday the school was a buzz as the new Kinders arrived with their families. There were so many smiling faces as they embarked on such a significant life event. The Kinder classroom looked beautiful and is set up for age appropriate Play-Based Learning, making the transition between Early Childhood settings and school easier. A big thank you to the Parish for hosting a morning tea for our parents, it was great to have time to share some stories.  

On Friday we celebrated the Opening School Mass. It was wonderful to have so many of our parents there to join in the blessing of our school year. After the Mass, our new school student leaders were presented with their badges. I’m so grateful to these great leaders in our school who are willing to give their time and service to their fellow students. 

On the 29th February, there will be a community event coordinated by the Catholic Parish. The event will be called “Rising From The Ashes “, and will be held at the Civic Centre, in Ulladulla. There will be lots of fun on the day and anyone who would like to hold their own market/ food stall or would just like to join us on the day is very welcome. 

I look forward to seeing you at school during the week.
Laurinda Nelson.